Shortly after starting the engine, invariably during cold, damp weather, a loud squeal emanates from the engine compartment. It can occur anytime during the first 15 minutes or so of the engine being started. The car has been into the shop & both the fan belt & alternator belts have been changed. The noise occurs slightly less frequently but the other day another variation occurred. After driving for 10 minutes the squealing noise reappeared but would disappear once I took my foot off the accelerator. Any advice would be greatly received.
I’m not a mechanic or an expert but this does sound similar to a situation with Dad’s car some years ago. Turned out to be a bearing squealing after a belt change, which meant the belt was too tight and had to be adjusted. I’m probably going to get flak now from the experts!
Obviously it’s difficult to diagnose without hearing it, but from what you suggest it’s definitely the alternator belt. I had the same thing a few years ago and could not lose it permanently until I change the water pump pulley which had worn. It was a simple 3 bolt job took about 10 mins but cured the squeak . I used a second hand one that I had on the shelf but it worked.
You could almost definitely pin it down to that belt with simple test that might work. See if the squeak increases or starts when you load the alternator. I.e start your car from cold with everything turned off. Wait till the squeak is stable or quiet and then turn everything on. Lights. Heated rear window, fan etc. if the noise increases its definitely related to the alternator belt.
not sure what model yours is? But I,m talking Mk1.
Re-tension your alternator belt.
Thanks guys, I’ll check out the alternator as advised.
ATB
Neal